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Kelty Double Wide Basecamp Pad

rated 4.0 of 5 stars
photo: Kelty Double Wide Basecamp Pad self-inflating sleeping pad

Finally, we got rid of those constantly leaking air mattresses and got a Kelty Double Wide Basecamp pad to replace them. And, this pad not only lifts us off of the ground but it gives us some assistance in not transferring the cold from the ground. After all, it has an R-Value of nearly 9.

Pros

  • Unlike the air mattresses Kelty's quality and Backcountry Edge's product follow-up assures us that it will work.

Cons

  • It is difficult to roll up, making sure that all of the air is released.

After the constant purchase of air mattresses because we could not locate the minor leaks that seemed to crop up with each usage (we camp out for periods of a month at a time, visiting the many national parks, monuments and forests in the Mountain West), and the constant need to replace batteries for the air mattresses, we solved the problem with the purchase of the Kelty Basecamp Sleeping Pad.  At first it seemed as though we were missing something, not having that air mattress.  But as we got used to it we saw that it was the way to go.

It has very nice "flocking" that can be cleaned after usage, and we just got through giving it 32 nights on a camping trip in the southwest.  It is well-made and the R-Value really works because we had to sleep on it a few nights directly on the ground during that trip.  One other trip we took was a weekend in the snow and it proved to be quite warm, somewhat better than those air mattresses.  The two valves (it is a double wide pad) are brass, not cheapie plastic and will stand up even in the snow and the desert conditions that it has gone through.

It does take some time, about twice as long (and that really isn't too long!) as an air mattress, to exhaust the air and roll it up.  This double-wide sleeping pad is only about half again the length and width of a double air mattress (not the queen-sized ones), and it comes with three neat straps that assist in tightening it down.

One problem is in rolling it up to put it away.  The darned thing just does not want to roll up straight and that is why it took just a little longer than the air mattresses. But making use of those storage straps, and some wiggling around to make sure it is straight, it is a convenient package. It is not a backpacker's dream, but works very well for a family or basecamp: it is just too darned big, like those air mattresses.

Lastly, Beamer is my service dog and he sleeps with me.  Unlike those air mattresses he won't be putting his paws through this Kelty Double-Wide Sleeping Pad.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: About $125, on sale

Comfortable, well made, and decently priced.

Pros

  • Repair kit included
  • Stuff sack included

Cons

  • Self-inflating is a bit of a misnomer. You will still have to blow it up some.

This is a great product. Instead of having two separate pads that slide out from under you at night, you and a special someone can help keep this one firmly in place while you sleep comfortably on the ample padding and plush surface.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $160

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Specs

Price MSRP: $149.95
Historic Range: $124.95-$159.95
Reviewers Paid: $125.00-$160.00
Weight 9 lb 5 oz / 4.2 kg
Width 51 in / 129.5 cm
Length 78 in / 198 cm
Height 2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Size Double
Shape Rectangular
Packed Length 27 in / 68.5 cm
Packed Diameter 12 in / 30.5 cm
R Value 8.11
Material Open Cell Foam
Fabric Polyester Microsuede
Product Details from Kelty »

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